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Rapid Covid-19 testing trial launches in Bristol
Bristol’s director of public health says a targeted approach is being taken to help break chains of transmission as a rapid Covid-19 testing trial gets underway.
Port staff will be the first to receive the tests, which are being administered to key workers who do not have symptoms as part of a pilot programme.
Bristol has received 10,000 test kits from NHS Test and Trace and the plan is to administer tests to 1,000 workers at The Bristol Port Company from Thursday, with the council saying it is looking at ways to extend this type of testing into the new year.
is needed now More than ever
Director of public health for Bristol Christina Gray, explains the lateral flow (rapid) testing is not mass testing of the population, but one element of a wider Government lateral flow testing programmed being deployed in a number of different settings; such as the health services, universities and care homes.
“We’re taking a targeted approach to help to identify and break chains of transmission early, preventing outbreaks,” said Gray.
“Bristol Port is a setting where we believe repeat testing of key staff will be particularly beneficial. Staff without symptoms of coronavirus will be tested twice a week for three months. We will be reviewing the process throughout.
“If anyone does develop symptoms, they need to stay at home and book a test through the NHS Test and Trace system where tests are sent off to the lab to be analysed. We must all continue to focus on reducing the spread of the virus by limiting our contact with others, practising good hygiene and isolating when needed.”
Three trained employees at Bristol Port will administer the tests, and once taken, they will be able to report results back to NHS Test and Trace after just 30 minutes.
David Brown, the CEO of Bristol Port, said: “The port is pleased to be able to support the trial of lateral flow testing.
“As key workers it will give those involved in this trial some additional reassurance that asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 aren’t being transmitted around the port, thereby ensuring it can continue to keep vital supplies flowing and also keep them and their families even safer.”
Read more: Vaccinations led by GPs to begin this week
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